JP2002297571A - System and program for creation of digital contents - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system for creation of digital contents suitable for preventing loss of a layout intended by a designer and also having a high degree of flexibility in an order of publication of information. SOLUTION: In the system, a layout definition file defines a layout situation of a first and second information storage frames with overlaying a part of the frames in a layout area 360. Storing publishing information into a plurality of the frames with referring to the file creates digital contents. When storing the publishing information into the frames, a form and position of the first frame are decided based on the information amount of the publishing information to be stored into the first frame among the plurality of the frames, a form and position of the second frame overlaid on the first frame among the plurality of the frames are decided based on the decided form and position.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a system for creating digital content and a program applied to the system, and more particularly to a system suitable for preventing a layout intended by a designer from being impaired, and regarding the order of posting information. The present invention relates to a digital content creation system and a digital content creation program having a high degree of freedom.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a digital content distribution system for providing digital content such as news to a user. In the digital content distribution system, generally, a content registration database (hereinafter, the database is simply abbreviated as DB). ), Read some digital contents, edit the read digital contents, and distribute the edited digital contents to the user. In the process of editing digital content, the digital content is laid out so that it is easy for the user to see. As a technique for performing this layout, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 62-054
A document shaping method disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 111 (hereinafter, referred to as a first conventional example), a document shaping apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-009580 (hereinafter, referred to as a second conventional example), and There is an electronic article display device (hereinafter, referred to as a third conventional example) disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-880789.

In the first conventional example, a format for expanding the logical structure of an input document analyzed by the logical structure analysis unit 5 and a shaping rule for determining this format are stored in a shaping rule dictionary 7 and the format rule The application is determined by the shaping processing unit 8. The shaping processing unit 8 calculates, for example, an excess or a lack of a specified page when the document is expanded in a predetermined format, selects and applies an optimum shaping rule from the calculation result, and specifies the specified page. Change the format of document expansion so that the document data fits within the number. Thereby, an optimal document structure that fits within the predetermined number of pages is selected.

In the second conventional example, the area information for specifying an allocation area corresponding to the structure attribute of the document data for each page is stored in the area information storage unit 30.
0 can determine to which area the document data should be allocated from the area information and the structure attribute information of the document data. Then, the output state monitoring unit 50 transmits the document
The inconsistency between the document data and the area information when the document data is allocated with 0 is detected, and the area information correction unit 60 corrects the storage contents of the area information storage unit 30 to eliminate the inconsistency. As a result, consistency between the document data and the area information is ensured, and a document that is easy to read and has good appearance can be automatically shaped.

[0005] In a third conventional example, information storage means 1 for holding interests and knowledges possessed by a plurality of users as a plurality of individual-use page configuration information, and an individual-use page configuration information based on search histories performed by the users. Learning means 3 for learning, and screen operation means 5 for operating a screen to obtain individual page composition information, obtaining article information corresponding to a user from a database based on the individual page composition information, reconstructing and displaying the article information. And a management unit 7 that manages the information storage unit 1, the learning unit 3, and the screen operation unit 5.

[0006]

In the process of editing digital contents, the layout may be mechanically adjusted, which may significantly impair the visibility and appearance. For example, a designer may design some layout templates in advance. In addition, measures are taken to edit the digital content based on the layout template so that the layout is intended by the designer. In this case, it is desired that the digital content can be edited so as to have a layout intended by a designer, irrespective of the content, amount of information, and logical structure of information to be posted.

However, in the first conventional example,
Since the format of the document development is changed so that the document data fits within the specified number of pages, there is a problem that the layout intended by the designer may be damaged depending on the information amount of the document data. Was. Further, in the second conventional example, it is configured to determine to which area the document data should be allocated based on the area information and the structure attribute information of the document data. It is possible to allocate articles of various sizes, and it is expected that the layout will be designed by the designer to some extent, but since the layout position is determined for each article, when the document data consists of multiple articles It is difficult for the user or the distributor to specify the order of publication of these articles. For example, it is conceivable to post articles in an order according to the user's tastes and interests.
It was difficult to realize this in the conventional example. Therefore, there is a problem that the degree of freedom with respect to the order of publishing information is small.

In the third conventional example, only the article information corresponding to the user is obtained from the database based on the page composition information for individuals and reconstructed. As in the example, there is a problem that the layout intended by the designer may be damaged depending on the information amount of the article information. Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such unresolved problems of the conventional technology, and is suitable for preventing a layout intended by a designer from being impaired. It is an object of the present invention to provide a digital content creation system and a digital content creation program that have a high degree of freedom in order.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, a digital content creation system according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises: a content storage unit for storing digital content; A content selection unit for selecting the digital content from the digital content; and a content creation unit for creating an output layout of the digital content selected by the content selection unit to create the digital content. Is a system for creating the digital content by arranging the publishing information in a layout area in a predetermined division, wherein a plurality of information storage frames for storing the publishing information are arranged in the layout area. Layout defined A layout definition information storage unit for storing definition information, wherein the content creation unit refers to the layout definition information of the layout definition information storage unit and stores the publication information in the plurality of information storage frames. The digital content is created, and when the publication information is stored in the information storage frame, based on the information amount of the publication information stored in the first information storage frame of the plurality of information storage frames. Determining the shape of the first information storage frame or the position on the layout area, and based on the determined shape or position,
A shape or a position on the layout area of a second information storage frame overlapping the first information storage frame among the plurality of information storage frames is determined.

[0010] With this configuration, the digital content is selected from the content storage means by the content selection means, and the publication information constituting the selected digital content is divided by the content creation means into the layout area in a predetermined section. In order to create digital contents. In the layout process, the content creating means refers to the layout definition information in the layout definition information storage means and stores the publication information in a plurality of information storage frames. Here, when the publication information is stored in the information storage frame, the shape of the first information storage frame or the position on the layout area is determined based on the information amount of the publication information stored in the first information storage frame. Then, based on the determined shape or position, the shape or position of the second information storage frame overlapping the first information storage frame on the layout area is determined.

Here, the layout definition information may be information that defines a state in which a plurality of information storage frames are arranged in a layout area, and defines a state in which a plurality of information storage frames are overlapped and arranged in a layout area. Not limited to this, but also includes a definition of a state where a plurality of information storage frames are arranged in a layout area without overlapping. Even in the latter case, as a result of storing the posted information in the first information storage frame, the first
The present invention is applicable if the information storage frame and the second information storage frame overlap. Hereinafter, the same applies to the digital content creation program according to claim 11.

The content storage means stores the digital content by any means and at any time, and may store the digital content in advance, or without storing the digital content in advance. Alternatively, the digital contents may be stored by an external input or the like during the operation of the present system. This is the same for the layout definition information storage unit. Hereinafter, the same applies to the digital content creation program according to claim 11.

Further, the present system may be realized as a single device, or may be realized as a network system in which a plurality of terminals are communicably connected. In the latter case, each component may belong to any one of the plurality of terminals as long as they are communicably connected to each other. The output layout includes a display layout for displaying digital contents on a screen,
Alternatively, a print layout for printing digital content on paper is included. Hereinafter, the same applies to the digital content creation program according to claim 11.

Further, in the digital content creation system according to a second aspect of the present invention, in the digital content creation system according to the first aspect, the layout definition information includes the first information storage frame and the second information. A storage frame is defined in such a state that a part of the storage frames is overlapped and arranged in the layout area. With such a configuration, since a part of the first information storage frame and a part of the second information storage frame are overlapped in advance, as a result of storing the publication information in the first information storage frame, Regardless of whether the first information storage frame is enlarged or reduced, it can be expected that the degree of change depending on the layout result of the first information storage frame among the changes related to the second information storage frame will be averaged.

Further, a digital content creation system according to a third aspect of the present invention is the digital content creation system according to any one of the first and second aspects, wherein the content creation means includes the first information storage frame. Determining the shape of the first information storage frame on the basis of the amount of information to be stored in the layout information, and determining the position of the first information storage frame on the layout area according to a predetermined arrangement rule; The shape of the second information storage frame is determined based on the information amount of the publication information stored in the second information storage frame, and the position of the second information storage frame on the layout area is determined according to the predetermined arrangement rule. And the predetermined arrangement rule includes a rule for arranging the first information storage frame and the second information storage frame such that they do not overlap with each other.

With this configuration, the shape of the first information storage frame is determined by the content creating means based on the information amount of the publication information stored in the first information storage frame, and the predetermined arrangement rule is set. Thus, the position of the first information storage frame on the layout area is determined. Then, the shape of the second information storage frame is determined based on the information amount of the publication information stored in the second information storage frame, and is set so as not to overlap with the first information storage frame by a predetermined arrangement rule. , Second
Of the information storage frame on the layout area is determined.

In the digital content creation system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the digital content creation system according to the third aspect, the content creation means has a minimum size required for storing the publication information. The shapes of the first information storage frame and the second information storage frame are determined so as to be as follows.

With such a configuration, the shapes of the first information storage frame and the second information storage frame are determined by the content creating means so as to have a minimum size necessary for storing the publication information. You. Claim 5 according to the present invention.
The digital content creation system described in claim 3
In the digital content creation system according to any one of the first and fourth aspects, the content creation means determines the shape of the first information storage frame, and as a result, the second information storage frame becomes the first information storage frame. When it is included, the second information storage frame is deleted.

With such a configuration, as a result of determining the shape of the first information storage frame, when the second information storage frame is included in the first information storage frame, the content creation means The second information storage frame is deleted. Further, in the digital content creation system according to claim 6 of the present invention, in the digital content creation system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the layout definition information further includes the first information storage frame and the first information storage frame. The second
Defining a state in which a demarcation line for indicating a demarcation with the information storage frame is arranged in the layout area. As a result of determining the shape and the position on the layout area, when the second information storage frame does not overlap with the first information storage frame,
The demarcation line is set at a demarcation position between the first information storage frame and the second information storage frame, and otherwise, the demarcation line is deleted.

With such a configuration, the shapes of the first information storage frame and the second information storage frame and their positions on the layout area are determined, and as a result, the second information storage frame becomes the first information storage frame. If it does not overlap with the frame, the content creation means sets a demarcation line at the demarcation position between the first information storage frame and the second information storage frame. In contrast, the second
When the information storage frame overlaps with the first information storage frame, the demarcation line is deleted by the content creating means.

Further, a digital content creation system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the digital content creation system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the publication information includes a title of an article of the digital content. Title information, image information about the image of the digital content article, and text information about the text of the digital content article, and the plurality of information storage frames store title information for storing the title information. A frame, an image information storage frame for storing the image information, and a character information storage frame for storing the character information, wherein the content creation unit includes the title information storage frame, the image information storage frame And in the order of the character information storage frames, the shape of the information storage frame and the It has thus to determine the position in the out region.

With such a configuration, the shape of the information storage frame and the position on the layout area are determined by the content creation means in the order of the title information storage frame, the image information storage frame, and the character information storage frame. You. Further, in the digital content creation system according to claim 8 of the present invention, in the digital content creation system according to claim 7, the content creation means may be configured so that the title information storage frame has another information whose shape and position are determined. When the title information storage frame overlaps with the storage frame, the title information storage frame and other information storage frames related thereto are deleted.

With such a configuration, when the title information storage frame overlaps with another information storage frame whose shape and position are determined, the content creation means causes the title information storage frame and other information storage related thereto to be stored. The frame is deleted. Further, a digital content creation system according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the digital content creation system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, further comprising user information storage means for storing user information about a user, The content selection means is configured to select the digital content from the content storage means based on the user information in the user information storage means.

With such a configuration, the digital content is selected from the content storage means by the content selection means based on the user information in the user information storage means. Here, the user information includes, for example, the user's age, gender, interest and preference, address, name, or usage environment related to the user terminal. Hereinafter, the same applies to the digital content creation system according to the tenth aspect.

The user information storage means stores the user information by any means and at any time, and may store the user information in advance, or may store the user information in advance. Not
The user information may be stored by an external input or the like during the operation of the present system. Hereinafter, the same applies to the digital content creation system according to the tenth aspect.

Further, the digital content creation system according to claim 10 of the present invention provides the digital content creation system according to claims 1 to 8
In the digital content creation system according to any one of, comprising a user information storage means for storing user information about the user, the content creation means, based on the user information of the user information storage means,
The output layout of the digital content selected by the content selection means is determined.

With this configuration, the output layout of the selected digital content is determined by the content creating means based on the user information in the user information storage means. Here, as the output layout is determined based on the user information, when the user information includes the age, if the user is a relatively elderly person, a layout having a relatively large font may be adopted. When gender is included in the user information, a glyph layout may be adopted if the gender is female. When the user information includes interests and preferences, a layout for children's magazines, sports newspapers, or technical documents may be adopted according to the interests and preferences. When an address is included in the user information, it is conceivable to adopt a layout with a background of a landscape image specialized for the land where the address is located. When the user information includes a name, a layout using the name as a title may be adopted. In addition, when the user information includes a use environment related to the user terminal, when the RAM capacity of the user terminal is small, it is conceivable to adopt a layout in which an image having a large data capacity is not used as much as possible.

On the other hand, to achieve the above object, a digital content creation program according to claim 11 of the present invention is realized as the content creation means in the digital content creation system according to claim 1 comprising a computer system. The content creation means stores the publication information in the plurality of information storage frames by referring to layout definition information in the layout definition information storage means. When storing the publication information in the information storage frame, based on the information amount of the publication information stored in the first information storage frame of the plurality of information storage frames, The shape of the first information storage frame or the position on the layout area is determined, and the determined shape is determined. Or based on the position, so as to determine the position of the shape or on the layout area of the second information storage frames overlap with the first information storage frame of the plurality of information storage frames.

With such a configuration, the program is read by the digital content creation system,
When the digital content creation system executes the processing in accordance with the read program, an operation equivalent to that of the digital content creation system according to the first aspect is obtained.

[0030]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 to 23 are diagrams showing an embodiment of a digital content creation system and a digital content creation program according to the present invention. In this embodiment, a digital content creation system and a digital content creation program according to the present invention, as shown in FIG.
0 is applied to the case where digital contents such as news are distributed to the user terminal 200.

First, the configuration of a network system to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network system to which the present invention is applied. The Internet 199, as shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of content providing terminal S ₁ to S _n to provide a digital content, the content providing terminal S ₁ to S _n
Distribution terminal 100 that collects, accumulates, and distributes digital content provided by the user and distributes the content.
And a user terminal 200 to be used by the user. Although only one user terminal 200 is shown for easy understanding of the present invention, a plurality of user terminals are actually connected to the Internet 199.

The content providing terminal S ₁ ~S _n is, CPU,
It is configured to have the same function as a general computer in which a ROM, a RAM, an I / F, and the like are connected by a bus. When a digital content is created, a category number for specifying a category of the digital content is displayed. The content distribution terminal 10 is added to the digital content.
0 is transmitted. The category numbers will be described later in detail.

The user terminal 200 has a CPU, ROM, R
It is configured to have the same functions as a general computer in which an AM, an I / F, and the like are connected by a bus.
It has a WideWeb) browser, and accesses the content distribution terminal 100 using a WWW browser. Next, an outline of functions of the content distribution terminal 100 is shown in FIG.
This will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of functions of the content distribution terminal 100.

As shown in FIG. 2, the content distribution terminal 100 includes an XML parser 11 for analyzing an XML (extensible Markup Language) format content data file 10, and a content for inputting the content data file 10 analyzed by the XML parser 11. A data file input unit 12, an XML parser 14 for analyzing the XML-format layout definition file 13, a layout definition file input unit 15 for inputting the layout definition file 13 analyzed by the XML parser 14, and an input for the input units 12 and 15. A layout unit 16 that performs a layout based on the content data file 10 and the layout definition file 13 that has been created, and an XML parser 18 that analyzes an XML-format drawing designation file 17 from the layout unit 16
And the drawing designation file 17 analyzed by the XML parser 18
PDF (Portable Doc)
ument Format) and a rasterizing unit 19 that creates a file 20 in the format. The present embodiment has a feature in the layouting section 16 among these components.

Next, the configuration of the content distribution terminal 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the content distribution terminal 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the content distribution terminal 100 controls the arithmetic and the entire system based on the control program.
A PU 30, a ROM 32 in which a control program of the CPU 30 is stored in a predetermined area in advance, a RAM 34 for storing data read from the ROM 32 and the like and a calculation result required in a calculation process of the CPU 30, And an I / F 38 that mediates the input / output of the data, and these are connected to each other via a bus 39, which is a signal line for transferring data, so as to be able to exchange data.

[0036] I / F 38 as an external device, the user information registration DB40 for registering user information, the content registration DB42 to collect storing digital contents provided from the contents providing terminal S ₁ to S _n, the Internet 199 A signal line for connection is connected. Next, the data structure of the user information registration DB 40 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 4, the user information registration DB 40 stores a user profile table 300 for registering user information. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data structure of the user profile table 300. The user profile table 300, as shown in FIG.
One or more records can be registered for each user. Each record has a field 302 for registering a user ID for identifying a user and a field 304 for registering a delivery address of digital content.
, A field 306 for registering a category number, a field 308 for registering a keyword, a field 310 for registering a distribution date, a field 312 for registering a distribution time, and a field 314 for registering a layout number.
And a field 316 for registering the maximum number of pages, and a field 318 for registering a font size.

In the field 308, when a digital content including a keyword specified by the user is selected as a distribution target, the keyword is registered. As the keyword, for example, a keyword that is likely to appear frequently in articles in a category in which the user is interested is given. In the example of FIG. 4, "processor" is registered in the first row of the field 308, and "OS" is registered in the second row of the field 308.

In field 310, a distribution date on which the user desires to distribute digital contents is registered. As the distribution date, for example, "Daily" is designated when digital content distribution is desired every day, "Weekday" is designated when distribution is desired only on weekdays, and "Weekend" is designated when distribution is desired only on weekends. Is specified. In the example of FIG. 4, “daily” is displayed in the first row of the field 310,
In the second row, “Weekdays” are registered.

In a field 312, a distribution time at which distribution of digital content is desired on a distribution date designated by the user is registered. As the distribution time, for example, any time when a day is represented by a 24-hour time from 0:00 to 23:00 is specified. In the example of FIG. 4, 5:00 is registered in the first row of the field 312, and 11:00 is registered in the second row of the field 312.

A field 314 contains a layout number for specifying an output layout of digital contents.
Register As the layout number, for example, a layout for specifying the output layout desired by the user
Specify No. In the example of FIG. 4, layout No. 2 is registered in the first row of the field 314, and layout No. 5 is registered in the second row of the field 314. The layout number will be described later in detail.

In the field 316, the maximum number of pages, which is the upper limit when digital content is displayed or printed, is registered. As the maximum number of pages, for example, in addition to specifying the maximum number of pages as the upper limit, it is also possible to specify not to set the upper limit by the notation “u”. In the example of FIG. 4, two pages are in the first row of the field 316, and “u” is in the third row of the field 316.
Are registered respectively.

In a field 318, a font size when displaying or printing digital content is registered. In the example of FIG. 4, “small” is registered in the first row of the field 318, and “normal” is registered in the third row of the field 318. As shown in FIG. 5, the user information registration DB 40 includes a plurality of layout definition files form01 to form06 defining output layouts of digital contents, and a layout definition file form.
A layout number correspondence table 330 indicating the correspondence between 01 to form06 and the layout number is stored. FIG.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a data structure of a layout definition file and a layout number correspondence table 330.

Layout definition files form01 to form06
Are, for example, a character information storage frame for storing character information, the size of an image included in digital content, the arrangement position in the printing paper area, the font size, type and color of the character information, The interval and line pitch, and the number, quality, size, and ratio of images are defined, and are described in XML or the like.

In the layout number correspondence table 330,
As shown in FIG. 5B, one record is registered for each layout No. Each record is configured to include a field 332 in which a layout number is registered and a field 334 in which a file name of a layout definition file is registered. In the example of FIG. 5B, “1” is registered as the layout number in the first record, and “form01” is registered as the layout definition file name. , Layout No.
Is "2" and the layout definition file name is "fo"
rm02 "is registered.

Next, the layout definition files form01 to fo
The data structure of rm06 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 6 and 7 show a part of the data structure of the layout definition file. Although the layout definition files form01 to form06 have different data structures, two representative ones of the layout definition files form01 to form06 will be described here.

Each layout definition file form01 to form06
Has a layout area 360 for each page, and one layout area 360 includes a title information storage frame 362 for storing title information and an image for storing image information as shown in FIG. Information storage frame 3
64 and a character information storage frame 36 for storing character information
6, an image information storage frame 368, and a character information storage frame 370
And a flow object storage frame 372 for storing flow objects. Here, the flow object refers to overflow information such as character information and overflow information that cannot be stored in the information storage frame on a page before the current page. Hereinafter, character information and other information to be overflowed are collectively called an object.

The title information storage frame 362 is a rectangular frame having a substantially full width in the horizontal direction and a height of about 1/5 in the vertical direction, and is arranged such that its upper left corner is located near the upper left end of the layout area 360. , The image information storage frame 364, the character information storage frame 366, and the character information storage frame 370. The image information storage frame 364 is a rectangular frame having a width of about 横 in the horizontal direction and a height of about ４ in the vertical direction. Are arranged so that the vertical direction is slightly lower than that, and the title information storage frame 362 and the character information storage frame 366 overlap each other.

The character information storage frame 366 is a rectangular frame having a width of about 横 in the horizontal direction and a height almost substantially full in the vertical direction, and is arranged such that the upper left corner thereof coincides with the upper left corner of the title information storage frame 362. The title information storage frame 362, the character information storage frame 364, and the image information storage frame 368 overlap each other. The image information storage frame 368 is １ ／ in the horizontal direction.
It is a rectangular frame having a width of about 1 and a height of about 1/4 in the vertical direction, and is arranged so that the lower left corner thereof coincides with the lower left corner of the character information storage frame 366, and overlaps with the character information storage frame 366.

The character information storage frame 370 is a rectangular frame having a width of about 横 in the horizontal direction and a height almost substantially full in the vertical direction, and is arranged so that the upper right corner thereof coincides with the upper right corner of the title information storage frame 362. The title information storage frame 362 and the flow object storage frame 372 overlap each other. The flow object storage frame 372 is １ ／ in the horizontal direction.
It is a rectangular frame having a width of about お よ び and a height of about 1/4 in the vertical direction, and is arranged so that the lower right corner thereof coincides with the lower right corner of the character information storage frame 370, and overlaps the character information storage frame 370.

Further, another layout area 360
Is a title information storage frame 374, as shown in FIG.
Character information storage frame 376 and title information storage frame 380
And a character information storage frame 382, and a demarcation line 378 indicating a demarcation between the character information storage frame 376 and the character information storage frame 382. Title information storage frame 374
Is a rectangular frame having an almost full width in the horizontal direction and a height of about 1/5 in the vertical direction.
It is arranged so as to be located near the upper left corner of 0, and overlaps the character information storage frame 376.

The character information storage frame 376 is a rectangular frame having a width substantially full in the horizontal direction and a height of about 4/5 in the vertical direction, and is arranged such that its lower left corner is located near the lower left end of the layout area 360. , The title information storage frame 374, the demarcation line 378, the title information storage frame 380, and the character information storage frame 382. The demarcation line 378 is a straight line having a substantially full width in the horizontal direction, and
0, and overlaps the character information storage frame 376.

The title information storage frame 380 is a rectangular frame having a width almost full in the horizontal direction and a height of about 1/5 in the vertical direction, and is arranged just below the demarcation line 378. And the character information storage frame 382. The character information storage frame 382 is a rectangular frame having a width substantially full in the horizontal direction and a height of about 縦 in the vertical direction, and is arranged such that the lower left corner thereof coincides with the lower left corner of the character information storage frame 376. The information storage frame 376 and the title information storage frame 380 overlap.

The layout area 360 of each page
May have the same data structure,
Each may have a different data structure. The data structure is determined by the designer's design. These are only logical structures, and the structures are actually defined by coordinate data and the like. Also, in the user information registration DB 40, when laying out digital content, as shown in FIG. 8, a flow management table 400 for managing flow objects is generated and stored. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a data structure of the flow management table 400.

As shown in FIG. 8, the flow management table 400 registers one record for each object overflowing from the information storage frame. Each record has a field 402 for registering an article number specifying an article of digital content, a field 404 for registering a head position (overflow position) of an object that cannot be stored in the information storage frame, and a field 404 for registering the object at the end. 40 for registering the page number (page number of the overflow source) to which the information storage frame overflowing with data belongs
6 and the page number to which the information storage frame storing the end of the object belongs (the storage page number of the flow object)
And a field 410 for registering a processed flag indicating whether or not the flow object is unprocessed.

According to the flow management table 400, a flow object is processed by a FIFO (First In First Out) method. That is, for a flow object having the first overflow, the record is registered at the end of the flow management table 400, and for an unprocessed flow object, processing is performed in order from the top of the flow management table 400. However, as a result of processing an unprocessed flow object, if the flow object overflows again without being able to be stored in a new information storage frame, the record is exceptionally registered at the top of the flow management table 400. Is done. This is to prevent the contents of the article from being distributed and distributed over a wide number of pages by registering at the top and processing preferentially.

Next, the data structure of the content registration DB 42 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Content registration DB 42, as shown in FIG. 9, stores the digital contents provided from the contents providing terminal S ₁ to S _n, and the category correspondence table 340 showing the correspondence between the main category and sub-category and category No. Have been. FIG. 9 shows digital contents and categories.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a data structure of a No. correspondence table 340.

[0058] The digital contents provided from the contents providing terminal S ₁ to S _n, as shown in FIG. 9 (a), article number and category No. have been attached, the content distribution terminal 100, the category Based on the No., the digital contents are classified into categories and registered in the content registration DB 42. At the time of registration, referring to the category number correspondence table 340, in addition to the article number and the category number, a main category and a sub category are added to the digital content and registered. The digital content includes title information indicating the title of the article, image information regarding the image of the article,
It is configured as one article including character information on the text of the article.

As shown in FIG. 9B, one record is registered in the category number correspondence table 340 for each main category and sub-category. Each record includes a field 342 in which a category number is registered,
It is configured to include a field 344 in which a main category is registered and a field 346 in which a subcategory is registered. In the example of FIG. 9B, in the first record, “1102” is registered as a category number, “World News” is registered as a main category, and “America” is registered as a subcategory. In the second row, “2010” is registered as the category number, “sports” is registered as the main category, and “baseball” is registered as the sub category.

Next, the configuration of the CPU 30 and the CPU 30
Will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. The CPU 30 includes a microprocessing unit MPU or the like, starts a predetermined program stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 32, and executes the user registration process and the content distribution process shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. It is designed to be executed in divisions.

First, the user registration process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the user registration process. The user registration process is a process of requesting the accessed user to input necessary user information such as a user ID and registering the input user information in the user profile table 300.
When executed at 30, the process first proceeds to step S100 as shown in FIG. Hereinafter, all the inputs in each step are performed by interactive communication with the user.

In step S100, the main category and the sub-category are input, and the process proceeds to step S102, where the user ID and the password are input, and the process proceeds to step S102.
The process proceeds to step 104, where a delivery destination address is entered, and the process proceeds to step S106, where a delivery date and a delivery time are entered,
Move to step S108. In step S108,
The layout number is entered, the process proceeds to step S110, the maximum number of pages is entered, the process proceeds to step S112, the font size is entered, the process proceeds to step S114, and the user information entered in steps S100 to S112. Is registered in the user profile table 300, and a series of processing is ended to return to the original processing.

Next, the content distribution processing will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the content distribution processing. The content distribution process is a process of distributing digital content to the user terminal 200 with reference to the user profile table 300. When executed by the CPU 30, first, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the process proceeds to step S200. Hereinafter, the processing of each step is processing for one record of the user profile table 300. Actually, user profile table 3
The process of each step is executed by the number of records registered in 00.

In step S200, the distribution date and distribution time are read from the user profile table 300, and the process proceeds to step S202 to determine whether or not the digital content should be distributed based on the read distribution date and distribution time. When it is determined that it is the date and time when the digital content should be distributed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S204, but when it is determined that it is not.
(No) moves on to step S200.

In step S204, the category number is read from the user profile table 300, and the process proceeds to step S206, where the digital contents in the content registration DB 42 are searched based on the read category number, and the category number and A digital content with a matching category number is searched for, and step S208 is performed.
Move to

In step S208, the layout number is read from the user profile table 300, and the process proceeds to step S210, where the layout definition file corresponding to the read layout number is referred to by referring to the layout number correspondence table 330. It reads out from the registration DB 40, moves to step S212, and executes step S206 based on the read out layout definition file.
An automatic layout process is performed to determine the output layout for the digital content retrieved in step S1 and create the digital content, and then proceeds to step S214.

In step S214, the distribution destination address is read from the user profile table 300, and the flow advances to step S216 to distribute the created digital content to the read distribution destination address. Return to processing. Next, the automatic layout processing in step S212 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the automatic layout processing.

The automatic layout processing is performed in step S2
When executed in S12, as shown in FIG. 12, the process first proceeds to step S300. Step S
In 300, the first page of the layout area 360 of the layout definition file read in step S210 is set as a processing target, and the process proceeds to step S302 to determine the position of a fixed line fixedly arranged in the page. Then, the process shifts to step S304 to determine the shape and position of the fixed character information fixedly arranged in the page, and shifts to step S306 to change the shape of the fixed image information fixedly arranged in the page And the position is determined, and the routine goes to Step S308.

In step S308, a process for determining the shape and position of the flow object storage frame is executed, and the flow shifts to step S310 to perform layout from among the digital contents searched out in step S206 based on a predetermined priority. An article to be arranged in the area 360 is selected, and the flow shifts to step S312. Step S312
Then, a process of determining the shape and position of the title information storage frame based on the selected article selected in step S310 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S314 to determine the shape and position of the image information storage frame based on the selected article. The processing proceeds to step S316 to determine the shape and position of the character information storage frame based on the selected article. The processing proceeds to step S318 to determine the position of the demarcation line. Execute and move to step S320.

In step S320, layout area 3
60, it is determined whether there is an unprocessed information storage frame, and when it is determined that there is no unprocessed information storage frame (N
o) shifts to step S322 and proceeds to step S210.
It is determined whether or not the processing of steps S302 to S320 has been completed for all pages of the layout definition file read out in step. Then, a process of posting an unprocessed flow object is executed, and a series of processes is ended to return to the original process.

On the other hand, in step S322, step S2
If it is determined that the processing of steps S302 to S320 has not been completed for all pages of the layout definition file read in step S10 (No), the process proceeds to step S326, and the layout area of the layout definition file read in step S210 The next page of 360 is set as a processing target, and the process proceeds to step S302.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S320 that there is an unprocessed information storage frame in the layout area 360 (Yes), the process proceeds to step S310. Next, the flow object storage frame determination processing in step S308 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG.
9 is a flowchart showing a flow object storage frame determination process.

The processing for determining the flow object storage frame is as follows.
When executed in step S308, as shown in FIG. 13, the process first proceeds to step S400. In step S400, it is determined whether or not a flow object storage frame exists in the layout area 360. If it is determined that a flow object storage frame exists (Yes), the process proceeds to step S402, but it is determined that it is not. At this time (No), a series of processing is terminated and the processing returns to the original processing.

In step S 402, the flow management table 400 is searched in order from the beginning, and it is determined whether or not there is a record in which the processed flag is cleared. If it is determined (Yes), the process proceeds to step S404 to read the flow object with reference to the record in which the processed flag is cleared, and proceeds to step S406 to calculate the information amount of the read flow object. ,
It moves to step S408.

In step S408, the shape and position of the flow object storage frame are determined based on the calculated information amount, and the flow shifts to step S410 to store the read flow object in the flow object storage frame.
It moves to step S412. Specifically, step S4
At 08, the shape and position of the flow object storage frame are determined so as not to overlap with another information storage frame whose shape has already been determined. For example, if the shape overlaps with another information storage frame whose shape has already been determined, the flow object storage frame is deformed / moved in a movable direction so that it does not overlap with another information storage frame. .
At this time, in order to minimize the layout intended by the designer, the flow object storage frame is preferably deformed or moved so that the degree of deformation or movement is minimized. Further, the direction of the deformation or the movement may be dynamically determined or may be determined in advance. This means that steps S506 and S60
6, S706.

In step S412, it is determined whether or not the read flow object has been completely stored in the flow object storage frame. If it is determined that the flow object has been completely stored in the flow object storage frame (not a flow) (No). In step S414, in the corresponding record, the storage page number of the flow object is set to the current page number, the processing completion flag is set, and a series of processing ends to return to the original processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S 412 that the read flow object cannot be stored in the flow object storage frame (it is a flow) (Yes), the flow shifts to step S 416, where the flow object The overflow process is executed for the portion that cannot be stored in the storage frame, and a series of processes is terminated to return to the original process.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S402 that there is no record in which the processed flag has been cleared (No), a series of processing is terminated and the processing returns to the original processing. Next, the title information storage frame determination process in step S312 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a title information storage frame determination process.

When the title information storage frame determination process is executed in step S312, as shown in FIG.
First, the process proceeds to step S500.
In step S500, it is determined whether or not title information storage exists in the layout area 360. If it is determined that title information storage exists (Yes), the process proceeds to step S5.
02, but when it is determined that it is not (No),
A series of processes is terminated and the process returns to the original process.

In step S502, it is determined whether or not the title information storage frame overlaps with another information storage frame whose shape and position are determined. When judged
(No) The process shifts to step S504 to calculate the information amount of the title information included in the selected article, and proceeds to step S506.
Move to

In step S506, the shape and position of the title information storage frame are determined based on the calculated information amount, and the flow shifts to step S508 to store the title information included in the selected article in the title information storage frame. Is completed, and the process returns to the original process. On the other hand, step S
If it is determined in step 502 that the title information storage frame overlaps with another information storage frame whose shape and position are determined (Yes), the process moves to step S514, and the title information storage frame and other related information storage frames are determined. The information storage frame (image information storage frame or character information storage frame in which articles with the same contents are stored) is deleted, a series of processes is terminated, and the process returns to the original process.

Next, the process of determining the image information storage frame in step S314 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a process of determining an image information storage frame. When the image information storage frame determination process is performed in step S314, as shown in FIG.
First, the process proceeds to step S600.

In step S600, layout area 3
It is determined whether or not there is an image information storage frame within 60, and when it is determined that there is an image information storage frame (Yes), the process proceeds to step S602, but when it is determined that this is not the case.
In the case of (No), a series of processes is ended and the process returns to the original process.
In step S602, it is determined whether or not the image information storage frame is included in another information storage frame. If it is determined that the image information storage frame is not included in another information storage frame (No), the process proceeds to step S6.
The process proceeds to S <b> 04, where the information amount of the image information included in the selected article is calculated, and the process proceeds to step S <b> 606.

In step S606, the shape and position of the image information storage frame are determined based on the calculated information amount, and the flow advances to step S608 to store the image information included in the selected article in the image information storage frame. Is completed, and the process returns to the original process. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S602 that the image information storage frame is included in another information storage frame (Yes), the process proceeds to step S614, the image information storage frame is deleted, and a series of processing ends. To return to the original processing.

Next, the character information storage frame determination process in step S316 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a character information storage frame determination process. When the character information storage frame determination process is executed in step S316, as shown in FIG.
First, the process proceeds to step S700.

In step S700, layout area 3
It is determined whether or not there is a character information storage frame within 60, and when it is determined that there is a character information storage frame (Yes), the process proceeds to step S702, but when it is determined that this is not the case.
In the case of (No), a series of processes is ended and the process returns to the original process.
In step S702, it is determined whether the character information storage frame is included in another information storage frame. If it is determined that the character information storage frame is not included in another information storage frame (No), the process proceeds to step S7.
The process proceeds to S <b> 04, where the information amount of character information included in the selected article is calculated, and the process proceeds to step S <b> 706.

In step S706, the shape and position of the character information storage frame are determined based on the calculated amount of information, and the flow advances to step S708 to store the character information included in the selected article in the character information storage frame. The process moves to S710. In step S710, it is determined whether the character information included in the selected article has been completely stored in the character information storage frame,
When it is determined that the character information has been completely stored in the character information storage frame (not a flow) (No), a series of processing is terminated and the processing returns to the original processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S710 that the character information included in the selected article cannot be stored in the character information storage frame (this is a flow) (Yes), step S71 is performed.
The process proceeds to step 2, where overflow processing is executed for the character information that cannot be stored in the character information storage frame, and a series of processing is completed to return to the original processing. On the other hand, step S7
02, when it is determined that the character information storage frame is included in another information storage frame (Yes), the process proceeds to step S714, the character information storage frame is deleted, and a series of processing is terminated to return to the original. The process is returned to

Next, the process of determining the demarcation line in step S318 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG.
9 is a flowchart showing a demarcation line determination process. When the demarcation line determination process is performed in step S318, the process first proceeds to step S800 as shown in FIG. In step S800, it is determined whether or not a demarcation line exists in the layout area 360. If it is determined that a demarcation line exists (Yes), the process proceeds to step S802.
In o), a series of processing ends and the processing returns to the original processing.

In step S802, it is determined whether or not the information storage frame to be demarcated by the demarcation line exists in the layout area 360. If it is determined that the information storage frame to be demarcated by the demarcation line exists (Yes), , Step S80
Then, the process proceeds to step 4, where a demarcation line is set at the demarcation position of the information storage frame to be demarcated by the demarcation line, and a series of processing is ended to return to the original processing.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S 802 that the information storage frame to be demarcated by the demarcation line does not exist in the layout area 360 (No), the flow shifts to step S 806, the demarcation line is deleted, and a series of The process ends and returns to the original process. Next, the above steps S416 and S51
2, S612 and S712 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow processing.

The flow processing is performed in steps S 416 and S
When executed in 512, S612, and S712, the process first proceeds to step S900 as shown in FIG. In step S900, the top position of the object that cannot be stored in the information storage frame is calculated, and the process proceeds to step S902 to determine whether a flow object with the same article number has already been registered in the flow management table 400. If it is determined that the flow object has not been registered (No), the process proceeds to step S904 to generate a record for the flow object, register the generated record at the end of the flow management table 400, and perform a series of processing. To return to the original processing. Specifically, in step S904, the overflow position is set in step S904.
The record for the flow object is set by setting the article number to that of the flow object, setting the page number of the overflow source to the current page number, and clearing the processed flag, Generate. This is the same in the processing in step S906.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S 902 that a flow object with the same article number has already been registered in the flow management table 400 (Yes), the process proceeds to step S 902.
In step 906, a record for the flow object is generated, the already registered record is deleted, and the generated record is stored in the flow management table 40.
0 is registered at the beginning, and a series of processing is ended to return to the original processing.

Next, the processing of the unprocessed flow object in step S324 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing processing of an unprocessed flow object. When the processing of the unprocessed flow object is executed in step S324 described above, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 9, first, the process proceeds to step S1000.

In step S1000, the flow management table 400 is searched in order from the beginning, and it is determined whether or not there is a record in which the processed flag is cleared. If it is determined (Yes), the process proceeds to step S1002, but if it is not (No), a series of processes is terminated and the process returns to the original process.

In step S1002, a layout area 360 for a new page is added, and the flow advances to step S1004 to execute processing for determining the shape and position of the flow object storage frame, as in step S308.
The process proceeds to step S1006 to execute processing for determining the position of the demarcation line, as in step S318, and then proceeds to step S1008.

In step S1008, it is determined whether or not an unprocessed information storage frame exists in the layout area 360, and when it is determined that an unprocessed information storage frame exists (Ye
In step s), the process proceeds to step S1004. However, when it is not determined (No), the process proceeds to step S1000.
Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described.

First, a case where information necessary for distributing digital content is registered will be described. If the user wishes to distribute digital content,
The user terminal 200 accesses the content distribution terminal 100 using a WWW browser and inputs a user registration request.

When the user terminal 200 receives a user registration request, a request to input necessary user information is made to the user through communication with the content distribution terminal 100. Here, when the user inputs the main category, sub-category, user ID, password, distribution destination address, distribution date, distribution time, layout number, maximum number of pages, and font size as user information in response to the input request. The user information is transmitted to the content distribution terminal 100.

When content distribution terminal 100 receives the user information in response to the registration request, content distribution terminal 100 executes steps S100 to S100.
After S114, the received user information is registered in the user profile table 300. Next, a case where digital contents are distributed with reference to the user profile table 300 will be described.

In the content distribution terminal 100, referring to the user profile table 300, when the date and time when the digital content is to be distributed is reached, steps S204 and S204 are performed.
20, the category number is read from the user profile table 300, the digital content in the content registration DB 42 is searched based on the read category number, and a category number matching the category number is found. The attached digital content is retrieved. Next, through steps S208 to S212, the layout number is read from the user profile table 300, and by referring to the layout number correspondence table 330, a layout definition file corresponding to the read layout number is registered in the user information. The output layout is determined for the retrieved digital content based on the layout definition file read from the DB 40, and the digital content is created.

The layout process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 20, taking as an example a case where the layout is performed using the basic layout of FIG. FIG. 20 is a diagram for describing an example of performing a layout based on the basic layout of FIG. In the layout process, through steps S300 to S310, the position of the fixed line, the shape and position of the fixed character information, and the shape and position of the fixed image information are determined in that order, and based on a predetermined priority, step S206 is performed. An article to be arranged in the layout area 360 is selected from among the digital contents searched in the step (a).

Next, if the title information is included in the selected article, since the title information storage frame 362 exists in the layout area 360, the processing proceeds to step S312, and the title information storage frame 362 is determined based on the selected article. Processing for determining the shape and position is executed. In this title information storage frame determination process, steps S500 to S5
08, the information amount of the title information included in the selected article is calculated, the shape and position of the title information storage frame 362 are determined based on the calculated information amount, and the title information included in the selected article is stored in the title information. It is stored in a frame 362. When the title is relatively short, as in the example of FIG. 20, the default title information storage frame 362 is deformed upward so that the title information can be just fit.

Next, when image information is included in the selected article, since the image information storage frame 364 exists in the layout area 360, the processing proceeds to step S314, and the image information storage frame 364 is stored based on the selected article. Processing for determining the shape and position is executed. In the image information storage frame determination process, the information amount of the image information included in the selected article is calculated through steps S600 to S608, and based on the calculated information amount, the information amount of the image information storage frame is not overlapped with another information storage frame. The shape and position of the image information storage frame 364 are determined, and the image information included in the selected article is stored in the image information storage frame 36.
4 is stored. When the height of the image is larger than the width and the right alignment is specified as in the example of FIG. 20, the default image information storage frame 364 is moved to the minimum position that does not overlap with the title information storage frame 362. After the image information storage frame 364 is deformed in the downward direction (or upward if possible) and the position after the deformation is set as the upper limit of the upward movement,
Deforms to the right while maintaining the aspect ratio of the image. As a result, the image can be posted in the maximum allowable size while maintaining the aspect ratio of the image.

Next, when image information is further included in the selected article, the image information storage frame 368 exists in the layout area 360, and the selected article is processed through steps S600 to S608 in the same manner as described above. Are stored in the image information storage frame 368. When the width of the image is larger than the height as in the example of FIG. 20, the image information storage frame 368 is moved downward (or upward) while maintaining the default width and the aspect ratio of the image. Deform.

Next, when the selected article contains character information, the character information storage frame 366 exists in the layout area 360. Thus, after step S316, the character information storage frame 366 is created based on the selected article. Processing for determining the shape and position is executed. In this character information storage frame determination process, the information amount of the character information included in the selected article is calculated through steps S700 to S710 so as not to overlap with other information storage frames, and based on the calculated information amount. The shape and position of the character information storage frame 366 are determined, and the character information included in the selected article is stored in the character information storage frame 36.
6 is stored. When the upper right portion of the character information storage frame 366 overlaps with the image information storage frame 364 as in the example of FIG. 20, the character information storage frame 366 is divided into a portion that overlaps the image information storage frame 364 and a portion that does not. Up and down 2
Divided into two frames. Divided character information storage frame 366
The upper part of the image is deformed leftward to a minimum position that does not overlap with the image information storage frame 364, using the position as the upper limit of the downward and leftward movement, and the minimum part that does not overlap with the title information storage frame 362. Deforms downward (or upwards if possible) to the maximum position. Also,
The lower part of the divided character information storage frame 366 has the position as the upper limit of the upward movement, and the image information storage frame 36
Deform upwards to the minimum position that does not overlap with 8. Then, the character information included in the selected article is first stored in the upper part of the divided character information storage frame 366, and the part that cannot be completely stored is stored in the lower part of the divided character information storage frame 366. Is stored in Thus, even if the character information storage frame 366 overlaps with another information storage frame, the character information can be efficiently stored by dividing the character information storage frame 366, and the continuity of the contents between the frames can be maintained even after the division. it can.

If the selected article further includes character information, the character information storage frame 370 exists in the layout area 360. Are stored in the character information storage frame 370. When the number of characters in the character information is sufficient as in the example of FIG. 20, the character information storage frame 370 is handled as it is without changing the default.

In the example of FIG. 20, since no flow object exists, the flow object storage frame 372
Is deleted. Next, a layout process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 21 by taking as an example a case where layout is performed using the basic layout of FIG. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining another example of performing a layout based on the basic layout of FIG. 6.

In the layout process, step S300
Through S310, the position of the fixed line, the shape and position of the fixed character information, and the shape and position of the fixed image information are determined in that order, and based on the predetermined priority, the digital content retrieved in step S206. Articles to be arranged in the layout area 360 are selected from among them.

Next, when the flow object exists, the flow object storage frame 372 exists in the layout area 360, and the process for determining the shape and the position of the flow object storage frame 372 is executed via step S308. You. In this flow object storage frame determination process, the flow object is read through steps S400 to S412, the information amount of the read flow object is calculated, and the flow object storage frame 372 is calculated based on the calculated information amount. Is determined, and the read flow object is stored in the flow object storage frame 372. When the flow object is image information and the width of the image is larger than the height as in the example of FIG. 21, the flow object storage frame 372 is moved downward (or upward) while maintaining the aspect ratio of the image. Direction).

Next, when title information is included in the selected article, the title information storage frame 362 exists in the layout area 360. The included title information is stored in the title information storage frame 362. If the title is relatively long, as in the example of FIG. 21, the default title information storage frame 362 is deformed downward so that the title information can be just fit.

Next, when the selected article includes image information, the image information storage frame 364 exists in the layout area 360, and thus the step S is performed in the same manner as described above.
Through 600 to S608, the image information included in the selected article is stored in the image information storage frame 364. When the width of the image is larger than the height as in the example of FIG. 21, the default image information storage frame 364 is deformed downward to the minimum position that does not overlap with the title information storage frame 362. Then, the image information storage frame 364 is deformed upward while maintaining the aspect ratio of the image, using the position after the deformation as the upper limit of the upward movement.

Next, when image information is further included in the selected article, since the image information storage frame 368 exists in the layout area 360, the selected article is passed through steps S600 to S608 in the same manner as described above. Are stored in the image information storage frame 368. When the width of the image is larger than the height as in the example of FIG. 21, the image information storage frame 368 is moved downward (or upward) while maintaining the default width and the aspect ratio of the image. Deform.

Next, if the selected article contains character information, the character information storage frame 366 exists in the layout area 360, and thus the step S is performed in the same manner as described above.
Through 700 to S710, the character information included in the selected article is stored in the character information storage frame 366. In the example of FIG. 21, the default character information storage frame 366 is deformed downward and upward to the minimum position that does not overlap with the image information storage frames 364 and 368, and the position after the deformation is set in the upward direction. As the upper limit of movement, the character information storage frame 366 is deformed upward so that the character information just fits.

If the selected article further contains character information, the character information storage frame 370 exists in the layout area 360. Thus, the selected article is processed through steps S700 to S710 in the same manner as described above. Are stored in the character information storage frame 370. In the example of FIG. 21, the default character information storage frame 370 is deformed downward and upward to the minimum position that does not overlap with the title information storage frame 362 and the flow object storage frame 372, and the character information just fits. Thus, character information storage frame 370 is deformed upward.

As described above, when the layout is performed using the basic layout of FIG. 6, when the layout result of FIG. 20 is compared with the layout result of FIG. Nevertheless, it can be seen that all of them inherit the basic layout of FIG. 6 to some extent. Next, the layout process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 22 by taking as an example a case where layout is performed using the basic layout of FIG. FIG. 22 is a diagram for describing an example of performing a layout based on the basic layout of FIG.

In the layout process, step S300
Through S310, the position of the fixed line, the shape and position of the fixed character information, and the shape and position of the fixed image information are determined in that order, and based on the predetermined priority, the digital content retrieved in step S206. Articles to be arranged in the layout area 360 are selected from among them.

Next, when title information is included in the selected article, the title information storage frame 374 exists in the layout area 360. The included title information is stored in the title information storage frame 374. When the title is relatively short as in the example of FIG. 22, the default title information storage frame 374 is deformed upward so that the title information can be just fit.

Next, when the selected article contains character information, the character information storage frame 376 exists in the layout area 360, and thus the step S is performed in the same manner as described above.
Through 700 to S710, the character information included in the selected article is stored in the character information storage frame 376. In the example of FIG. 22, the default character information storage frame 376 is deformed downward (or upward if possible) to the minimum position that does not overlap with the title information storage frame 374, and the character information just fits. Thus, the character information storage frame 376 is deformed upward.

Here, in the layout area 360, there are still unprocessed information storage frames 380 and 382.
After step S310, based on a predetermined priority,
A new article to be arranged in the layout area 360 is selected from the digital contents retrieved in step S206. Next, when title information is included in the selected article, a title information storage frame 380 exists in the layout area 360.
Through steps S500 to S508, the title information included in the selected article is stored in the title information storage frame 380. If the title is relatively short, as in the example of FIG. 22, the default title information storage frame 380 is deformed upward so that the title information can be just fit.

Next, if the selected article contains character information, the character information storage frame 382 exists in the layout area 360, and thus the step S is performed in the same manner as described above.
Through 700 to S710, the character information included in the selected article is stored in the character information storage frame 382. In the example of FIG. 22, the default character information storage frame 382 is deformed downward (or upward if possible) to the minimum position that does not overlap with the title information storage frame 380, and the character information just fits. Thus, the character information storage frame 376 is deformed upward.

Then, since the demarcation line 378 exists in the layout area 360, the processing for determining the position of the demarcation line 378 is performed via step S318. In this demarcation line determination processing, the information storage frame 38 to be demarcated by the demarcation line 378 through steps S800 to S804.
Since 0,382 exists in the layout area 360,
Information storage frames 380, 3 to be demarcated by demarcation line 378
A demarcation line 378 is set at the demarcation position 82. FIG.
In the second example, a demarcation line 378 is arranged between the character information storage frame 376 and the title information storage frame 380.

Next, the layout process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 23, taking as an example a case where layout is performed using the basic layout of FIG. FIG.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining another example of performing a layout based on the basic layout of FIG. 7. In the layout process, through steps S300 to S310, the position of the fixed line, the shape and position of the fixed character information, and the shape and position of the fixed image information are determined in that order, and based on a predetermined priority, step S206 is performed. An article to be arranged in the layout area 360 is selected from among the digital contents searched in the step (a).

Next, when title information is included in the selected article, since the title information storage frame 374 exists in the layout area 360, the steps S500 to S508 are performed in the same manner as above, and The included title information is stored in the title information storage frame 374. If the title is relatively long, as in the example of FIG. 23, the default title information storage frame 374 is deformed downward so that the title information can be just fit.

Next, when the selected article contains character information, the character information storage frame 376 exists in the layout area 360, and thus the step S is performed in the same manner as described above.
Through 700 to S710, the character information included in the selected article is stored in the character information storage frame 376. If the number of characters in the character information is relatively long as in the example of FIG. 23, the default character information storage frame 376 is deformed downward to the minimum position that does not overlap with the title information storage frame 374, and Character information storage frame 3 so that information just fits
76 is deformed upward.

Here, in the layout area 360, there are still unprocessed information storage frames 380 and 382, but the title information storage frame 380 overlaps the character information storage frame 376 whose shape and position are determined. Therefore, the title information storage frame 38 is passed through steps S502 and S514.
0 and the character information storage frame 382 are deleted. Accordingly, through steps S800, S802, and S806,
Information storage frames 380, 3 to be demarcated by demarcation line 378
Since 82 does not exist in the layout area 360, the demarcation line 378 is deleted.

As described above, when the layout is performed using the basic layout of FIG. 7, when the layout result of FIG. 22 is compared with the layout result of FIG. Nevertheless, it can be seen that all of them inherit the basic layout of FIG. 7 to some extent. When the output layout of the digital content is determined as described above,
After steps S222 and S224, the distribution address is read from the user profile table 300, and the created digital content is distributed to the read distribution address.

If the flow object overflows without being able to be stored in the information storage frame during the layout process, the flow object having the first overflow is executed in steps S900 to S9.
After 04, the record is registered at the end of the flow management table 400. Then, for the unprocessed flow object, through steps S400 to S412,
The processing is performed in order from the top of the flow management table 400. However, as a result of processing an unprocessed flow object, if the flow object overflows again without being stored in the new information storage frame, the flow object is exceptionally processed through steps S900, S902, and S906. The record is registered at the head of the table 400.

Further, after processing the layout area 360 for all pages of the layout definition file read in step S210, if there is an unprocessed flow object, the process continues until the unprocessed flow object no longer exists. , Steps S1002 to S10
08, the layout area 3 of the new page
60 is added, processing for determining the shape and position of the flow object storage frame is performed, and processing for determining the position of the demarcation line is performed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 focuses on the title information storage frame 362 and the image information storage frame 364 in the basic layout of FIG. 362
The shape and position of the title information storage frame 362 are determined based on the information amount of the publication information stored in the image information storage frame 364, and the shape and position of the image information storage frame 364 overlapping the title information storage frame 362 based on the determined shape and position. Is to be determined.

As a result, the title information storage frame 362
Is determined based on the layout in the layout definition file. The image information storage frame 362 is based on the layout in the layout definition file.
Since the layout is determined depending on the layout result of the title information storage frame 362, the final layout result can inherit the basic layout defined by the layout definition file to some extent. Further, since the shapes and positions of the title information storage frame 362 and the image information storage frame 362 are determined based on the information amount of the publication information, the publication can be performed regardless of the information amount of the publication information. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the layout intended by the designer is impaired by the content, the amount of information, and the logical structure of the posted information as compared with the related art, and to relatively improve the degree of freedom in the order of posting the information. be able to.

Of course, these relationships are not limited to between the title information storage frame 362 and the image information storage frame 364 in the basic layout of FIG.
62, image information storage frames 364, 368, character information storage frames 366, 370, and flow object storage frame 372
The same holds for the other relationships between. FIG.
In the basic layout of the title information storage frame 37
4, 380 and character information storage frames 376, 382.

Further, in the present embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 is, for example, the title information storage frame 362 and the image information storage frame 36 in the basic layout of FIG.
4 and the layout definition file of FIG.
The title information storage frame 362 and the image information storage frame 364 are partially overlapped with each other to form a layout area 360.
Is defined.

As a result, the degree of change depending on the layout result of the title information storage frame 362 among the changes related to the image information storage frame 364 can be expected to average, so that the layout intended by the designer may be damaged. Can be further reduced. Of course, these relationships are not limited to between the title information storage frame 362 and the image information storage frame 364 in the basic layout of FIG.
66, 370, between the image information storage frame 364 and the character information storage frame 366, between the character information storage frame 366 and the image information storage frame 368, and between the character information storage frame 370 and the flow object storage frame 372. The same holds for the period. In the basic layout of FIG. 7, the same holds true between the title information storage frame 374 and the character information storage frame 376 and between the title information storage frame 380 and the character information storage frames 376 and 382.

Further, in the present embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 has, for example, the title information storage frame 362 in the basic layout of FIG. The shapes of the image information storage frames 364 and 368, the character information storage frames 366 and 370, and the flow object storage frame 372 are determined.

Thus, each information storage frame 362-372
Can be stored efficiently. further,
In the present embodiment, for example, when focusing on the title information storage frame 362 and the image information storage frame 364 in the basic layout of FIG. 6, the content distribution terminal 100 determines the shape of the title information storage frame 362, When the image information storage frame 364 is included in the title information storage frame 362, the image information storage frame 364 is deleted.

As a result, the image information storage frame 364 is included in the title information storage frame 362,
If the degree of change depending on the layout result of the title information storage frame 362 is considered to be large, the image information storage frame 364 is deleted, further reducing the possibility that the layout intended by the designer is damaged. Can be reduced.

Of course, these relationships are not limited to between the title information storage frame 362 and the image information storage frame 364 in the basic layout of FIG.
62, image information storage frames 364, 368, character information storage frames 366, 370, and flow object storage frame 372
The same holds for the other relationships between. FIG.
In the basic layout of the title information storage frame 37
4, 380 and character information storage frames 376, 382.

Further, in the present embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100 is, for example, the character information storage frame 376 and the title information storage frame 38 in the basic layout of FIG.
Focusing on 0, as a result of determining the shapes and positions of the character information storage frame 376 and the title information storage frame 380,
If the title information storage frame 380 does not overlap with the character information storage frame 376, the character information storage frame 37
6 and the title information storage frame 380 at the demarcation position.
78, and otherwise, the demarcation line 378 is deleted.

Thus, only when character information storage frame 376 and title information storage frame 380 are properly arranged, character information storage frame 376 and title information storage frame 380 are provided.
Are demarcated by the demarcation line 378, so that digital contents can be created with an output layout that is relatively easy to see. Further, in the present embodiment, for example, in the basic layout of FIG. 6, the content distribution terminal 100 determines the title information storage frame 362, the image information storage frames 364 and 368, and the character information storage frames 366 and 370 in this order. The shape and position of the information storage frame are determined.

Thus, the layout can be determined in the order in which the layout should be prioritized, so that the digital content can be created with an output layout that is relatively easy to see. Further, in the present embodiment, when the title information storage frame 380 overlaps with another information storage frame whose shape and position is determined in the basic layout of FIG. The storage frame 380 and the character information storage frame 382 related thereto are deleted.

As a result, since the information is not posted until the position of the title information storage frame 380 which is relatively easy to notice is changed, the possibility that the layout intended by the designer is damaged is further reduced. it can. Further, in the present embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100
Based on the user information in the user information registration DB 40, digital contents are searched for in the content registration DB 42.

As a result, since the user-specific information and the user-specified information are referred to in selecting the digital content, it is possible to create digital content having a content relatively in accordance with the user's desire. Further, in the present embodiment, the content distribution terminal 100
An output layout of the digital content is determined based on the user information in the user information registration DB 40 to create the digital content.

As a result, since the user-specific information and the user-specified information are referred to in determining the output layout, digital contents can be created with an output layout that is relatively in line with the user's desire. In the above embodiment, the layout definition file corresponds to the layout definition information described in claim 1, 2, 6 or 11, and the content registration DB 42 stores the layout definition information in claim 1 or 9
User information registration D corresponding to the content storage means described
B40 corresponds to the user information storage means according to claim 9 or 10, or the layout definition information storage means according to claim 1 or 11. Step S20
Steps S208 to S212 correspond to the contents selecting means described in claims 1, 9 or 10.
Corresponds to the content creating means described in claims 1, 3 to 8, 10 or 11.

In the above embodiment, the configuration and the position of the information storage frame are determined in the order of the title information storage frame, the image information storage frame, and the character information storage frame. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, the configuration and the position of the information storage frame may be determined in any order. Further, the determination order of the shape and the position may be registered in the user profile table 300 as user information.

In the above-described embodiment, the layout is performed while dynamically determining the shape and position of the information storage frame. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The information may be stored once, and then the layout may be performed by determining the shape and position of each information storage frame. Further, in the above embodiment, the output layout of the digital content is determined based on the user information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of images included in the digital content or the character information included in the digital content may be determined. The output layout of the digital content may be determined based on the amount of the content.

Thus, even if the number of images included in the digital content or the amount of character information included in the digital content is large or small, the output layout can be made relatively easy to see. In the above embodiment, step S21
Although the second layout processing is configured to be executed by the content distribution terminal 100, the present invention is not limited to this, and the layout processing may be configured to be performed by the user terminal 200. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the concentration of the processing load on the content distribution terminal 100.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the control programs stored in the ROM 32 are executed before executing the processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 to 19. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The program is stored in the RAM 34 from a storage medium storing the program indicating these procedures.
May be read and executed.

Here, the storage medium is a semiconductor storage medium such as a RAM or a ROM, a magnetic storage type storage medium such as an FD or HD, an optical read type storage medium such as a CD, CDV, LD, or DVD, or a storage medium such as an MO. A magnetic storage type / optical readout type storage medium includes any storage medium that can be read by a computer irrespective of an electronic, magnetic, optical or other reading method.

In the above embodiment, the digital content creation system and digital content creation program according to the present invention are installed on the Internet 19.
9 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be applied to a so-called intranet that performs communication in the same manner as the Internet 199. Of course, the Internet 19
Not only the network that communicates by the same method as 9 but also
It can be applied to ordinary networks.

Further, in the above embodiment, the digital content creation system and digital content creation program according to the present invention are implemented as shown in FIG.
The content distribution terminal 100 is applied to the case where digital content such as news is distributed to the user terminal 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to other cases without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0152]

As described above, according to the digital content creation system according to the first to tenth aspects of the present invention, the layout of the first information storage frame is determined based on the layout in the layout definition information. The layout of the second information storage frame is determined based on the layout result of the first information storage frame based on the layout defined in the layout definition information. The basic layout defined by the information can be inherited to some extent. Further, since the shapes of the first information storage frame and the second information storage frame or the positions on the layout area are determined according to the information amount of the publication information, the publication can be performed regardless of the information amount of the publication information. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the layout intended by the designer is impaired by the content, the amount of information, and the logical structure of the posted information as compared with the related art, and to relatively improve the degree of freedom in the order of posting the information. The effect that it can be obtained is obtained.

Furthermore, according to the digital content creation system of the second aspect of the present invention, the degree of change depending on the layout result of the first information storage frame among the changes related to the second information storage frame is average. Therefore, there is an effect that the possibility that the layout intended by the designer is damaged can be further reduced.

Further, according to the digital content creation system of the fourth aspect of the present invention, there is an effect that the posted information can be efficiently stored in the first information storage frame and the second information storage frame. can get. Further, according to the digital content creation system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the second information storage frame is included in the first information storage frame, and the first information among the changes related to the second information storage frame. When the degree of change depending on the layout result of the storage frame is considered to be large, the second information storage frame is deleted, so that the possibility that the layout intended by the designer is damaged can be further reduced. Is also obtained.

Further, according to the digital content creation system of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the first information storage frame is provided only when the first information storage frame and the second information storage frame are properly arranged. And the second information storage frame are demarcated by the demarcation line, so that an effect that digital contents can be created with an output layout that is relatively easy to see is also obtained.

Further, according to the digital content creation system of the present invention, since the layout can be determined in the order in which the layout should be emphasized, the digital content can be created with an output layout that is relatively easy to see. The effect that can be performed is also obtained. Furthermore, according to the digital content creation system of the present invention, since the information is not posted until the position of the title information storage frame that is relatively easy to notice is changed, the designer intended The effect that the possibility that the layout is damaged can be further reduced is also obtained.

Further, according to the digital content creation system according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since the user's unique information and the information specified by the user are referred to for the selection of the digital content, the digital content creation system can be relatively adapted to the user's wishes. Also, there is an effect that digital contents having the above contents can be created. Further, according to the digital content creation system according to the present invention, since the user specific information and the information designated by the user are referred to in determining the output layout, the output layout relatively in accordance with the user's wishes Also, an effect that digital contents can be created by using this method is obtained.

On the other hand, according to the digital content creation program of the present invention, the same effects as those of the digital content creation system of the first aspect can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a functional outline of the content distribution terminal 100.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a content distribution terminal 100.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data structure of a user profile table 300.

FIG. 5 is a layout definition file and a layout No.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data structure of a correspondence table 330.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a part of a data structure of a layout definition file.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a part of a data structure of a layout definition file.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a data structure of a flow management table 400.

9 is a diagram showing a data structure of a digital content and category number correspondence table 340. FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a user registration process.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a content distribution process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an automatic layout process.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a flow object storage frame determination process.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a process of determining a title information storage frame.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a process of determining an image information storage frame.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a process of determining a character information storage frame.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a demarcation line determination process.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a flow process.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing processing of an unprocessed flow object.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining an example of performing a layout based on the basic layout of FIG. 6;

FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining another example of performing a layout based on the basic layout of FIG. 6;

FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining an example of performing a layout based on the basic layout of FIG. 7;

FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining another example of performing a layout based on the basic layout of FIG. 7;

[Explanation of symbols]

10 the content data file 11,14,18 XML parser 12 the content data file input unit 13 layout definition file 15 layout definition file input unit 16 layouting unit 17 drawing the specified file 19 rasterizing unit 100 the content distribution terminal 200 user terminal S ₁ to S _n Content providing terminal 30 CPU 32 ROM 34 RAM 38 I / F 40 User information registration DB 42 Content registration DB 300 User profile table 330 Layout number correspondence table 340 Category number correspondence table 400 Flow management table 360 Layout area 362, 374, 380 Title information storage frame 364,368 Image information storage frame 366,370 Character information storage frame 376,382 Character information storage frame 372 Floo Object storage frame 378 demarcation line

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F-term (reference) 5B009 NC01 NC02 NC03 ND02

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A content storage means for storing digital content, a content selection means for selecting the digital content from the content storage means, and an output layout of the digital content selected by the content selection means. Content creation means for creating the digital content by
The content creating means is a system for creating the digital content by arranging the publishing information constituting the digital content in a layout area in a predetermined section, and a plurality of information storage frames for storing the publishing information. Layout definition information storage means for storing layout definition information defining a state where the plurality of layout definitions are arranged in the layout area. The content creation means refers to the layout definition information in the layout definition information storage means and The digital content is created by storing the publication information in an information storage frame. When the publication information is stored in the information storage frame, first information of the plurality of information storage frames is stored. Based on the information amount of the publication information stored in the storage frame, the first information storage frame A shape or a position of the second information storage frame overlapping the first information storage frame among the plurality of information storage frames based on the determined shape or position. A digital content creation system characterized in that a position on an area is determined. 2. The layout definition information according to claim 1, wherein the layout definition information is a state in which the first information storage frame and the second information storage frame are arranged in the layout area such that a part of them is overlapped. A digital content creation system characterized by being defined. 3. The content creation unit according to claim 1, wherein the content creation unit determines a shape of the first information storage frame based on an information amount of the publication information stored in the first information storage frame. And determining the position of the first information storage frame on the layout area according to a predetermined arrangement rule, and storing the second information storage space based on the information amount of the publication information stored in the second information storage frame. A shape of the frame is determined, and a position of the second information storage frame on the layout area is determined by the predetermined layout rule. The predetermined layout rule is determined by the first information storage frame and the second information storage frame.
A digital content creation system including a rule for arranging the information storage frames so that they do not overlap with each other. 4. The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein the content creation unit is configured to form the first information storage frame and the second information storage frame so as to have a minimum size necessary for storing the publication information. A digital content creation system characterized in that a digital content creation system is determined. 5. The information processing device according to claim 3, wherein the content creation unit determines the shape of the first information storage frame, and as a result, the second information storage frame is changed to the first information storage frame. When it is included in the second
Wherein the information storage frame is deleted. 6. The layout definition information according to claim 1, wherein the layout definition information further includes a demarcation line for indicating a demarcation between the first information storage frame and the second information storage frame. Wherein the content creation unit determines the shapes of the first information storage frame and the second information storage frame and the positions of the first information storage frame and the second information storage frame on the layout area. When the second information storage frame does not overlap with the first information storage frame, the demarcation line is set at the demarcation position between the first information storage frame and the second information storage frame. In other cases, the demarcation line is deleted. 7. The digital content according to claim 1, wherein the publication information includes title information indicating a title of the article of the digital content, image information on an image of the article of the digital content, and an article of the digital content. The plurality of information storage frames include a title information storage frame for storing the title information, an image information storage frame for storing the image information, and the character information. The content creation means, the title information storage frame,
In the order of the image information storage frame and the character information storage frame,
A digital content creation system, wherein a shape of the information storage frame and a position on the layout area are determined. 8. The content creation means according to claim 7, wherein, when the title information storage frame overlaps with another information storage frame whose shape and position are determined, the title information storage frame and another related information storage frame. A digital content creation system wherein an information storage frame is deleted. 9. The device according to claim 1, further comprising: a user information storage unit configured to store user information regarding a user, wherein the content selection unit is configured to store the user information based on the user information in the user information storage unit. A digital content creation system, wherein the digital content is selected from content storage means. 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: user information storage means for storing user information relating to a user, wherein the content creation means is configured to store the user information based on the user information in the user information storage means. A digital content creation system, wherein an output layout of digital content selected by content selection means is determined. 11. A program for causing a digital content creation system according to claim 1 comprising a computer system to execute processing realized as said content creation means, wherein said content creation means stores said layout definition information storage. The digital content is created by storing the publication information in the plurality of information storage frames with reference to the layout definition information of the means, and when the publication information is stored in the information storage frame, A shape of the first information storage frame or a position on the layout area is determined based on an information amount of the publication information stored in the first information storage frame among the plurality of information storage frames, and the determined shape is determined. Or, based on the position, a second information storage frame overlapping the first information storage frame among the plurality of information storage frames Digital content production program, characterized in that is made as to determine the position of the shape or the layout region.